Truck-theft police hit by cash crisis
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• Police stolen-vehicle squads are so under-funded that they want the Government to make insurance companies add a £1 levy to premiums to fund the fight against vehicle crime.
Detective Inspector Mike Barron of Merseyside Police's stolen vehicle recovery squad suggests the various teams around the UK could then apply for extra funds for extra staff or equipment "It's based on a system tried in Michigan, USA from 1986," says Barron. "Since then the number of motor insurance claims has steadily reduced, and 72% of customers have seen a 36% reduction in insurance premiums."
He adds that UK insurance companies are reluctant to adopt the scheme as "they do not see that it will make them a profit". Barron stresses that stolen vehicle recovery squads need extra funds to do their job better. He says that around the UK the squads have suffered cutbacks in staff and equipment which he "can't understand".
Barron's squad has just received £100,000 sponsorship from the Finance and Leasing Association which has helped pay for two extra staff members.